Spotlight on the Catholic Campus Ministry at Southeast Missouri State University

The Catholic Campus Ministry at Southeast Missouri State University is near and dear to Jessica Estes' heart. It's where she finally healed from the loss of her father and restored her faith in Christ. She didn't attend the local university, but she was accepted there with open arms, and she encourages others, whether students or not, to visit the campus ministry. Mass is held on weekdays and weekends and is open to the public.

"My faith was broken when I was 16 and unexpectedly lost my father to a heart attack," Jessica shares. "My world was shaken. I couldn't imagine an all-loving and caring God who could do that to my family. I was angry. I was lost. On the outside looking in, many people probably didn't see the damage this experience caused me. I was still making great grades, performing well in sports and being an upstanding young lady. On the inside I was crumbling. I spent many years confused and angry with God."

After college, Jessica began attending the CCM with a boyfriend, and after a couple of years with the ministry, "I knew my soul had found its place," she says. "My heart truly felt whole again."

The CCM has about 200 students involved in small-group Bible studies, says Deacon Tom Schumer, adding that the ministry focuses on four areas of faith formation: social activities, service and advocacy, spirituality and pure evangelization. In addition to mass and Bible studies, the ministry organizes mission trips, visits from Catholic speakers and entertainers, local service projects and more.

Campus evangelization is another important aspect of the ministry. The goal, says Deacon Tom, is for students to grow both intellectually and spiritually during their college years.

"What we want people to know first and foremost is that we strive for students to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ through a greater understanding of what it is that the Catholic church teaches, and recognizing that Jesus Christ is our savior and the key to eternal life," says Deacon Tom. "We're very much about helping students to recognize the importance of a personal relationship with Jesus."

The CCM relies on community volunteers to accompany students on mission trips, assist at special events like the university's Family Weekend, provide music at liturgical celebrations and support the ministry financially, says Deacon Tom.

"We are very blessed to have people like Jessica who support our ministry because they've been impacted by what we do here at the university," he says. "We couldn't do what we do without the gracious support of our benefactors."

For more information or to get involved with the Catholic Campus Ministry, visit www.ccmin.org or call 573-335-3899. The ministry is at 512 N. Pacific St. in Cape Girardeau.